Nicki Minaj – Super Freaky Girl
We are in the heart of nostalgia-pop being “in”, and everyone rediscovering songs that made them feel happy while growing up. And Nicki Minaj has never been afraid to integrate some nostalgia in her music before, I mean, just look at the mammoth success of 2014’s ‘Anaconda’, which sampled the 90’s anthem ‘Baby Got Back’ by Sir Mix-A-Lot. Now for her new single ‘Super Freaky Girl’ she’s thrown back to the 80’s Rick James hit ‘Super Freak’. This is her big return to the pop infused hip-hop she’s become well known for, following the release of her fourth studio album ‘Queen’ which was majorly a homage to her hip-hop roots and saw her steering away from pop hooks. But this song is all about reacquainting that playful side, and, excuse the pun, get freaky on the dance floor.
With vivid lyrics like “I can lick it, I can ride it while you slippin’ and slidin’. I can do all them little tricks and keep the dick up inside it”, I will let you guess what this song is about, because it’s all very straight to the point. It’s very tongue-in-cheek, and literal, which makes this song enjoyable to listen to from start to finish. This is the sort of Nicki single I was hoping for, as it brings back that silliness we all fell in love with during ‘Pink Friday’ and ‘Roman Reloaded’.
Ber – Superspreader
Every now and then a song comes out of nowhere and hits you right in the chest, so hard that it has you feeling like you are sitting right in front of the artist while the vivid imagery from the lyrics is moving around you. Ber’s new single ‘Superspreader’ is one of those rare captivating moments where you find yourself at the centre of a heartbreak and experiencing it first hand. “And I tried being yours til that didn’t work anymore. And what was it for, you still ruin my life even though we don’t talk anymore”, she sings during the brutally honest chorus that captures the moments where someone moves on and ghosts you without giving you the proper closure you deserve. Finding a way to move on, she questions what she’d do if they ever answered the phone or reached out. There is a direct harshness to her lyrics that is honest, and anyone that has ever been in that experience too will feel understood with their similar feelings. The dreamy indie-pop song is light and calm which is reminiscent of Julia Michaels, Taylor Swift, and early Maisie Peters, and it’s so soothing with the vulnerable feelings that sit below.
Megan Thee Stallion – Her
Megan Thee Stallion has officially dropped her sophomore studio album ‘Traumazine’, and it’s a strong body of work that certifies why she is one of the biggest names in hip-hop right now. But there is one song in particular that we NEED to talk about. ‘Her’ is THE moment. It’s a song that sonically could’ve easily sat comfortably on Beyonce’s new album, but instead it’s the standout moment on Megan’s record. From the very first listen you will captivated by its intoxicating production that commands your attention. The self-love moment is all about declaring that you are IT. You are the moment. You are everything. “I don’t care if these bitches don’t like me. Cause, like, I’m pretty as fuck” she admits during the spoken intro before professing “I’m her” during the epic hook. This chorus will live rent free in your head as you sashay your way down the street like its a Rupaul’s Drag Race catwalk, and honestly that’s how we should all live our lives.
Rex Orange County – THREAT
It was only in March that Rex Orange County dropped his fourth studio album ‘Who Cares’, and the English singer-songwriter already has a new song to comfortably sit at the top of your most played playlists. ‘THREAT’ is a sun-soaked indie-pop song that is dedicated to summer. It’s a song he hopes soundtracks moments his listeners will experience together outdoors, whether that be chilled out hangouts or nice long drives. The warm and funky production has this pulsating upbeat energy that is so addictive. It has a really warm feeling embedded which is comforting even thought the song lyrically is about the anxiety around having feelings for someone. It’s knowing that the other person likes you too, but also being so anxious that you aren’t good enough that you just get stuck in your head. “I hope he’s not a threat to me, but I’m still gonna feel it” he sings during the groovy chorus. It’s a reflective song that turns self-awareness into a bop, and we are definitely here for it.
Peach PRC – Forever Drunk
Peach PRC is serving us all of the pop bops that we could want or need right now. And ‘Forever Drunk’ is one of her best yet. Teaming up with pop songwriting icon Bonnie Mckee who penned ‘Teenage Dream’ with Katy Perry, and ‘Hold It Against Me’ for Britney Spears, they capture that 2000’s pop essence in this ultimate nostalgia filled singalong moment. It’s everything you love about 2010’s pop music. It’s the slight autotune, with pulsating pop production, and euphoric ear-worm hooks that you can’t escape. One listen simply won’t be enough, and you’ll find yourself immediately pressing replay so you can hear the echoing of the “forever drunk” refrain in your head over and over again. It’s a playful song that embraces the melodramatic feeling of young love, and being heartbroken. It’s all about the dramatisation of the lengths we go to in that heartbroken state to try and be “okay”, when in reality it is okay to not be okay, as corny as it is. This is Peach PRC’s big pop moment, and we are ready for more of them.
Check out all of the #BLEACHED picks of the week BELOW;